Why do you have a runny nose?

You may experience a runny nose after eating certain foods such as spicy foods, or if you are allergic to pollen or dust; the condition may go away when you are not exposed to these agents.

A runny nose is a common symptom of a cold, flu, or allergy. Some people may also experience a runny nose when eating. Here are some common causes.

Allergic rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is a condition in which the nose is irritated and inflamed by environmental agents such as pollen, animal hair, caterpillar hair, moths, dust, and house dust mites. Some people may also have this allergic reaction to food. The disease is divided into seasonal allergic rhinitis and perennial allergic rhinitis.

Common symptoms include runny nose, stuffy nose, itchy nose; red eyes, watery eyes; constant sneezing; possibly difficulty breathing, fatigue.

Non-allergic rhinitis

This is an inflammation of the inner parts of the nose. It is not caused by allergies, but by blood vessels in the nose dilating, causing the lining of the nose to fill with blood and mucus.

Other causes can include abnormal dilation of blood vessels or inflammation of the lining of the nose such as an overreaction of the nerves in the nose.

Gustatory rhinitis

Gustatory rhinitis is a non-allergic type of rhinitis caused by food. Foods that trigger gustatory rhinitis include pepper, curry, chili powder, hot sauce, chili, onions, wasabi, etc. When these foods are consumed, the trigeminal sensory nerve (also known as the Vth cranial nerve) is stimulated, causing a runny nose or congestion, with phlegm in the throat.

Vasomotor rhinitis

In addition to food allergies, vasomotor rhinitis can also be triggered by exposure to perfumes, cigarette smoke, alcohol, exercise, poor air quality, stress, weather, certain chronic diseases, hormonal changes, or a history of nasal congestion, sinus pressure, and coughing. Swelling and irritation in the nose cause symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, headaches, and coughing.

Food allergy

Hives are one of the more serious symptoms of a food allergy. Although food allergies don't usually cause a runny nose, they can cause a stuffy nose within two hours of eating shellfish, peanuts, eggs, butter, milk, wheat, soy, etc.

People can prevent allergic rhinitis symptoms by avoiding allergens or by having skin and blood tests.

For treatment, patients can use decongestants, antihistamines, nasal sprays. People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, have high blood pressure, a history of heart disease, or hyperthyroidism (increased thyroid hormone production) should consult a doctor before using.

In case of food allergy with signs of abdominal pain, diarrhea or severe reaction to a certain food, the patient should see a doctor. The risk of anaphylactic shock due to allergy can be high in teenagers, people who have had anaphylactic reactions to allergens in the past, asthma, and peanut allergies.

Huyen My (According to Verywell Health, Medical News Today )

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